Newport News Police make major arrests

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The streets of Newport News are safer after police arrest more than 30 suspected criminals.  The arrests were made after a three day sweep by the city's Gang enforcement and Narcotic's Unit.

The Newport News Police Department are taking a pro-active approach to keeping you safe.

"It was very successful," says Sgt. James Paddleford of the Organized Crime Division in Newport News.

Just three days of a joint Gang and Narotics enforcement operation turned out big numbers...37 arrests, 40 felony charges, and 26 misdemeanors.

"Most of them were narcotics in nature. We did recover three firearms," says Sgt. Paddleford.

Speaking only to WAVY.com, Sgt. Paddleford says one of the most notable arrests happened Thursday.  That's when he says the unit caught Delvon Freeman selling cocaine in the 1200 block of Hampton Avenue.

Paddleford says a quick background check shows Freeman was a fugitive since April wanted on drug and weapons charges.  One of the big concerns for police is where they say Delvon Freeman sold cocaine and marijuana.  It was within 1,000 feet of a primary school.

"This occurred at 11:30 at night so the childrens' safety was not a factor, but again we try to keep our schools drug free during school and after school," says Paddleford.

"I think that's a very good thing," says Cynthia Carter whose granddaughter goes to the school nearby.

Carter appreciates the police working to keep her family safe.

"We need more people that's out there and vigilant about getting drugs off the street," says Carter.

Sgt. Paddleford guarantees that vigilance from the Newport News Police Department.

"When you have gang members and narcotics dealers out on the street corners, the fear of crime is affecting the life of the citizens throughout the city of Newport News so we're not going to stand for it."

Sgt. Paddleford says you can count of more of these crime sweeps in the coming months.